Funke Akindele set for Omo-Ghetto release party

Delectable Yoruba actress, Funke Akindele having premiered her new work Omo-ghetto in London is set for the Lagos edition tagged the release party billed to hold on the 24th of this month at the popular National Theatre, Iganmu.
The event is expected to be glamorous as it will feature top Nigerian artistes with the likes of Baba Nee, Klever-J, African China, Saheed Osupa, Yaw of Wazobia FM, Helen Paul, and Gbenga Adeyinka.
However, guests are expected to dress in Ghetto touch attire while the anchor of event will be Jide Moronfolu and Ronke Oshodi-Oke.

Ini Edo, Keppy Ekpeyong dazzle in Inale

Industry watchers seem all geared up for the much anticipated musical movie entitled Inale. The epic musical movie is a narrative set in Otukpo, Benue State about a beautiful princess of Idoma land who through selflessness, unites her kingdom with a warring neighboring kingdom by sacrificing her true love on the altar of obedience to the customs and traditions of her people.

Inale parades an A-list cast which features sterling performances from actors such as Ini Edo and Keppy Ekpeyong. Others thespians in the movie include: Nse Ikpe-Etim, Mbong Amata and musicians such as Dede Mabiaku who features as the King - Inale’s father and Omawunmi of Idols West Africa.

The movie which will be premiered at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on the 22nd of October and later in Abuja on the 28th of October is a 35mm (celluloid) musical epic shot in Los Angeles, USA and Otukpo in Benue State.

Directed by Jeta Amata, the budget for the 90 minutes movie which is the first Nollywood musical on celluloid is said to have amounted to the tune of $2.8m. Inale- a prelude to Bongos Ikwue’s long awaited album release also features British born movie star of Nigerian descent - Caroline Chikezie and American actor, Hakeem Kae Kazim.

Rita Dominic returns from Kenya

It was a memorable and exciting time-out recently for Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic in Kenya when she was hosted as a Special Guest of the Nigerian Embassy in Nairobi. The actress was in the country to participate in several activities to mark Nigeria at 50 celebrations.

Rita received a warm welcome from Kenyans and Nigerians living in Kenya and she granted several high profile television and newspaper interviews as she talked about the Nigeria at 50 celebrations and her career as an actress.

She attended a special Gala night held on 30th of September which was sponsored by the corporate community including UBA and Ecobank. On October 1, she was the Guest of Honour at a reception held by the Nigerian High Commissioner of Kenya, Dr. C. W. Wigwe and his wife in honour of Nigeria at 50.

On behalf of the embassy, she also presented awards to deserving Nigerians living in Kenya who have excelled in their various endeavors and projected the country in a positive light.

Rita is also seeking to collaborate with Kenya filmmakers to produce films. "Nairobi is beautiful, and I can all ready see certain locations which will look very good on film and the people have been so friendly to me," Rita stated.

Her production outfit, Audrey Silva Company will begin to shooting its first of two movies in November. The movie is a romantic comedy written by Tunde Babalola and auditions are already ongoing for prospective actors.

"I am playing a sub-lead in this movie so I can concentrate on the production side of things". For me, this is serious business and we hope to build a motion picture company that projects quality Africa stories to the world.” She said.

Rita Dominic jetted back to the country on October 4, after her visit to the Eastern African country.

ELDee lends voice on CNN

Rap act, eLDee is generally known for making great music right from his days as the leader of the erstwhile rap group known as Trybesmen. He is also one of the very few artistes in the country known for their relentless fight for a better Nigeria.

Through his music, he very boldly addresses issues of corruption, bad governance and injustice in his native country, Nigeria. His genuine passion for his country and Africa as a whole, makes him unabashed when addressing its issues.

ELDee has been in the news lately for his return to shooting videos, his UK tour as well as his work on the "Rep 4 Nigeria" song for MTV Base Nigeria. He was recently featured on CNN i-List - a program which focuses on different topics about a country for a whole week.

The i-List edition which chose Nigeria as its talking point last week beamed its spotlight on Nigerians on Social Media. In the course of the feature, notice was taken of eLDee's continued campaign to use all avenues available to make his voice relevant in the struggle for positive change in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, he released his video entitled One Day, which was also mentioned in the CNN feature story. The video entitled I go Yarn released in 2004, asks questions about the quality of our leadership and accountability on the part of our rulers while still preaching its message of hope to the hopeless. With his music he advocates accountability and alerts the populace to the need to exercise their rights. It is a part of the reason why he has lent himself to such causes as "Enough-is-Enough” as well as the Light up Nigeria movement, of which he is a founding member.

Dude Tetsola releases 3 singles

The least has not been heard about Dude Tetsola who made lots of headlines shortly after his debut hit track titled No LE LES, years back. His latest release three tracks, Confirm ,More Dan Music and Part Don Start, in yet to be released album have been gathering momentum in the club houses, radio stations, event places and other fun centers.
The new singles promise to be listener’s delight and favourite on their play list according to the CEO of Shetade Images, Tijani Adegbola, whose is the top act’s manager, ‘‘The lyrics of the new album yet to be released is rich and also conforms to contemporary social theme of top Nigerian music that are currently making waves. I tip it to be the toast of Nigerian radio stations, event places and club houses’’, speaking further that, ‘‘even the video is something else. It’s simply splendid’’. If the commendation of this emerging entertainment guru is anything to go by, then fans of Dude Tetsola’s and music lovers should look forward to his newly released singles.
The first of the 3 track singles, ‘Party Don Start’, produced by Terry G, another top act and rave of the moment in the industry and is equally in the play list of radio stations at the moment and going by Dude Tetsola’s comment in a recent interview, his new singles are already in the airwaves, as he opened up that, ‘‘My new singles are on air right now, one titled ‘Confirm’, and another one ‘More Than Music’ feat. MI, and Shank, and the video is ready, and another one is ‘Party Don Start’’.
The video of ‘More Than Music’ that featured Shank and Sheyman, did not have MI in it as he stated, ‘‘ I will like to clear the air, yes I featured MI and Shank in the song, I didn’t force anybody to feature on the song, and they love it and think they want to be a part of it. And we did it together. I wouldn’t say because MI is absence in the video, it wouldn’t go on or it’s not cool. No, the video is beautiful and the video gained a lot of response by audience, and if you have watch the video you will testify that it is one of the best videos you’ve seen. But note that MI was not there, not because of money issue, but missed his flight to Lagos’’

I was pissed off the day I lost of my heels on the run-way

Born into the Onikoyi’s family of Lagos State, Biola Boris, is an international model who stormed the modelling industry Eight years ago, as part of her contribution towards the industry, she gives free grooming to budding models. This graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management who is currently undergoing her Master’s in the same course in University of Lagos spoke to MUTIAT ALLI about the good, the bad and the ugly sides of modelling, among other issues



How would you describe your first experience as a model?
I actually got into modelling by accident. I grew up around the University of Lagos campus because my parents’ house was just behind the campus. I remember I was just taking a walk on the campus when I met Bayo Hasthrup at the UNILAG sports centre. He walked up to me and asked me if I was a model and I said no. He then asked me if I’d love to come for catwalk classes. I was at home doing nothing, so I agreed. A month later, he asked me to show up at an auditioning by Dakova, just to see what modelling is all about. When I got there, Dakova said, “Hey! Who is that hanger there?” I looked back and there was no one behind me. I didn’t know he was talking to me until he walked up to me and said, “Hey! I love your shoulders. I need you to walk for me”. I replied that I was a novice because I had never done any modelling job and I had never been on the catwalk. So, he told me that someone would groom me. So, I started working for him. Today, I can tell you that it’s been a road of success.
Some modelling institutes pay rookies stipends. How much were you paid for your first job?
When I was getting into modelling, I went in with a different motive. I didn’t go into modelling because of money. All I just wanted to do was to catch my fun and if I got paid for it, that would be additional fun. So, if the pay was big or small, it really did not matter to me. I got into modelling in 2002. Then, the pay was poor, unlike now. The least fee that an average model gets is N50, 000 for a show, and if you can do about four shows, you’re okay. At the end of the show, Dakova paid me N4, 000 and I was so happy. I ran home that day. With N4, 000 in my pocket, I was so happy. In those days, it was a lot of money to me. It was my first earning and it was really wonderful for me.
As an international model, how has it been since you came into the industry in 2002?
One thing I know is that in the fashion industry, everyday is a learning day, especially in catwalk. People have different attitudes and different styles. Outside the shores of Nigeria, you’ll see more exciting styles, so you have to inculcate them into what you already have and then they bring more beauty into what you have. As a model, it is not just about your beautiful look, but your attitude. If it is inborn, it’ll radiate from within. Apart from this, out there, you would find people who don’t speak your language. In fact, most international models don’t speak English and it is not mandatory for them if English is not their lingual Franca. Despite the disparity in languages, you just have to communicate and the only way to do that is to show love and smile. Then, they’ll know you feel good towards them and they’ll come close to you. Believe it or not, some models frown and it is their nature. But what I know is that your off job attitude should be different from your on job attitude. Unless required, you are not meant to smile on the catwalk; you are to have a fixed look because you are a mannequin at that time.
Have you suffered any embarrassing experience?
Yes. One day, the heels of my shoes came off on the catwalk and I stylishly bent down, picked it up and continued my walk. I pray that it will be the last because I’ve seen a lot of models whose dresses dropped from them and their breasts jumped out of their blouses. In fact, I remember one particular lady had to use her hands to cover her breasts.
What would you do if it happens to you?
I’ll use my two hands to cover my breasts. I’ve seen a lot of ridiculous and disastrous things happen to models on the catwalk. Some will even walk on with only their G-strings on. Well, it is part of the hazards of the work. The dresses are not meant for the models, so they are not sewn to fit. Most times, they are just pinned on you to size because it is expected that buyers will come after the show. We are only showcasing the outfits. If they are cut out for the models, then, it won’t be up for sales, as regular sizes are not the model’s size.
Some people believe that models are loners. What is your take on that?
I’m hearing this for the first time. Every model has a private life and part of their private life is having a boyfriend and some of the relationships have developed into marriage.
So, which group do you fall into?
I fall into the group of people who actually appreciate relationship and are involved in it and actually have been enjoying it.
So, you are enjoying your romance?
Perfectly, he is a dashy young guy. Please, I want to leave his name out of this, but you’ll be the first to get the invitation card and that is very soon. He is a very compassionate guy and that was what actually got me. I was attracted to him first. He encourages me a lot and we have a whole lot of laughs when things happen. When situations don’t work my way and I get upset about it, he’ll always remind me that life is a game and that part of the game is losing some and winning some. We have a very good relationship.
Could you recall any memorable experience you’ve had together?
I was hoping that when he proposed, we would be in a parachute in the air 400 metres away from sea level, but …No comments!
Are models also restricted like the beauty queens?
Modelling and pageantry are two different things, but they run into each other. The models’ restricted lifestyle is just for the period of the reign, which is just a year. After that, they become their usual selves again, but it not as boring as you think. A beauty queen stands for something. They are like a logo. It is actually the crown that restricts them. If they want, they can drop the crown and live their lives. For models, it is not like that; all you need is a high sense of moral values and good behaviour.
Is wearing see-through material good morals?
It’s part of the job. The most important thing is that your nipples are covered.
What do you hate most about modelling?
It is the pull him/ her down (PhD) syndrome. People think it’s the general philosophy of life. But I don’t know where it came in from. People in the industry are spending more time in this than taking people up. When I got into modelling, there were limited chances and people were not shaving other people’s heads. But now, you have more versatile opportunities for you to grow. A model can wake up one morning and decide to relocate and still be hired. You can go on the Internet and get hooked to any foreign agency, submit your profile and the next day you are on your way. These opportunities were not there then.
Are you saying that you are not being treated fairly?
No one is being treated fairly, not even outside Nigeria. Human beings are insatiable, so nothing will be fair. We just have to make do with what we have, encourage and give our positive criticism. That is what brings about improvement.
Does one have to be skinny to be a model?
The answer is no! We now have the plus size models, regular size models and normal size models, which is the mannequin kind of models (size 6 and size 8). So, you can fit into any of these categories. It all depends on the concept of the show, as this determines the kind of models that will be used.
What will you do if you discover that your husband has erectile malfunction?
Why are you asking me this question? Did it happen to you? Didn’t you test drive before then? You have to test drive before marriage o! Not that you can go all the way; but, at least, you need to see that the thing is working very well. For me, if that happens, I’ll look for a solution. Yes, there’s a cure for it, so I won’t run away because of that.
Will you encourage him to use sex boosters?
I’ll just look for a solution. I’m ready to go out of my way to see to it that there’s a solution to the problem. I’ll stand by him. I mean for me to have said I’d marry him in the first place means that I’ve made up my mind. He might be shy to treat himself, but I’ll do my home work. It is a small problem.
Why do you wear waist beads?
I even have some of them on now (she displays it). I’m in love with waist beads and I’ve been wearing them for so many years. I have different types: Gold, silver and the normal fashion jewellery ones that I wear casually. I also invest in them. It’s like my underwear. I like sexy underwear because it makes me beautiful from the inside and it radiates outside. It makes me love my body. I’m sure you can feel it.
Do you have any particular reason for this?
Initially, in my first year, I thought of being a banker. I actually have a National Diploma (ND) in Banking and Finance. But towards the end of the programme, I realized that it wasn’t really what I wanted, so I had to obtain the JAMB form again. Luckily, I passed and I was admitted to read Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. I have a flair for managing people and to show how much I love doing that, I decided to make it a global thing by going in for a Master’s degree and I don’t want to restrict myself to my domain. So, when I’m through, I’m going to infuse everything I’ve learnt into the fashion and entertainment industry because if you look at the Nigerian fashion scene, it is seriously going global. Different people, both designers and models, are coming up from African countries and they are going more internationally. It’s no longer a continental thing. It has gone beyond that, so that is where people like me will come up because I now know how to blend these people together to achieve one goal.
Some designers are now into politics. Do you intend to follow suit?
In relation to politics, the fashion trend, indeed, has brought us to the global market and that is because of the kind of exposure we started giving to our Ankara fabric; I mean the way we brought an infusion of Western ideas into the African fabrics. I can tell you that we are moving even faster than the speed of light. But for politics, I can’t really say. Maybe the politicians should borrow some tips from the fashion industry and project us in a brighter light to the international community. If that is done, then, we are on our way.
Should fashion designers go into politics?
Well, I think that’s an individual thing. If you have what it takes, why not? As long as you can make an impact in the country, whether you are a designer or not, it doesn’t matter. Go for it to infuse the trend in the fashion industry into Nigerian politic. It differs. I could have been able to give you a positive answer, if only I could pinpoint one designer that can manage at least a local government, but I’m yet to see that person. So, it won’t be in my interest to exchange the devil I know for the angel I don’t know.
Are you saying no one is good enough in the fashion industry?
The Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, (FADAN) has set up a beautiful structure with the new president. We now have more youthful people in charge. The president himself is a young man and he is infusing a lot of fresh and youthful ideas into the industry and encouraging the young ones to grow as they hold exhibitions all the time. Politics is a different ball game all together. It is more global than fashion; it has to do with the whole country. Fashion is just a uni

I don’t sound like D’banj; we are two different acts

Oluwadamilare Okulaja popularly known as Durella, the proud originator of the slang In the Zanga has finally come to make a name in the entertainment industry with his own brand of music. This Zaria cum Mushin berth artiste believes his inspiration comes from the street of Mushin divulge to MUTIAT ALLI reason why is bent on doing hardcore hip-hop song, his environment, his new outfit amongst other issues.


Have you always thought of been a Musician?
Not really, but music for me started while I was still young because that was the stage I developed love for music and ever since then, I have been unto of my game. Although I started out in the church where I normally play the keyboard and sudden my love for circular music developed having listened to songs by great legends of music like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Steve wonders.
So what has been the acceptance ever since you stormed the industry?
The acceptance has been massive because I get to understand the fact that it is not how well but how far you can go about things you go. Although the beginning was a bit challenging because I find out that people find it difficult to accept new brand music; but on the long wrong things started working out for me and the acceptance was okay.
Talking about challenges, what is the major one you will never forget in the cause of your growth in the industry?
In life, I got to believe the sayings that nothing so good comes easy because when watch the performance of artistes then, all that comes to mind was that whenever they just sing, the money just come like that but I later find out that my thinking was not right, so when I started, I find it so difficult that people don’t even know the brand name called Durella; so I started with a simple method of whenever there is a show or concert in my area, I will beg the organizers to allow me sing and through that I was building the name. I could recall vividly the first time I released my first major single In the Zanga, people thought that was my first written song but due to the fact that circular music sells well in a setting like Nigeria; I just I had to do it also.
How do you come about the slangs you use in your music?
Usually, people consider me as been very bad due to the words I use in my songs but the fact remains that I grew up in an environment that has affect me to where I am presently, so my slangs comes from the street; most especially the bus conductors and I was the type that when I hear then say that in the bus, I also use it to address my friends so when I developed this love for music, I thought of the fact that this slangs would be useful, so I started infusing them into my stuffs and I found out that it was making sense.
Growing up in a terrain like Mushin which has been considered as an area for the breeding of thugs. How has your parent been able to stay focus inspite of the several distractions attached to that area?
Well, I want to believe that Mushin is not as bad as it has been painted, historically it used to be bad but along the line, it has been reformed. So I believe as at today, I can cite quite a number of successful people that also lived in Mushin before attaining their present various positions. I want you to note this fact that it is often said that in every society, there would be some black sheep that may not cope in the environment they find themselves. I can never do without that area because it makes who I am today even if I relocate to some other places; my visit to Mushin will still remain constant.
The first time we heard about you, people thought who this D’banj wanna be was, how did you take that when people tells that you do things like D’banj?
Although that was the first impression people heard; most especially when the video of Shayo was released and people was like; this guy look and sounds like D’banj but I want to correct that saying; I don’t sound like anybody, specifically D’banj because we are two different artistes and our style of music differs from each other. I have always been original and will continue to.
But is also believed that you copied D’banj style of music?
I did not and will never, even before I started music fully, he has always been friend and we still communicate well. Please no further comment on this issue.
It is believed that most of Nigerian artiste today deals in hardcore drugs; are you an inception?
Yes to be sincere, I don’t go drugs and will never do such a thing because first of all, my parent will disown me because this is one the things I promised them I wouldn’t be doing if allowed to go into music fully. Although there are some artistes that do drugs which I do not know but for me, I have other businesses that I venture into and is earning me a whole lots of money as well.
Talking about business, what are the other things you do aside music?
If I am not doing music, then I give 100% attention to my shoe line known as 2gbaski sneakers and my clothing line; I believe I am making a lot from it since it is not sold in Nigeria alone but across the country and very soon, I will launching some other stuffs.
Nowadays, we have seen most Nigerian artistes go international when it comes to the release of their album; do you also intend doing that as well?
All things been equal, I am also planning that but before then, I will be releasing it to my fellow Zangalist (People) in Lagos before proceeding abroad because I believe I have more fan base in Lagos than in abroad.
How will you describe your school days before you dropped out?
My school days have always been fun for me only that I did not really enjoy my National Diploma days in Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo campus due to the threats I received from the cult members. Since the pressure coming from them was too much for me to bear, I had to drop out from the Insurance course I was doing because then I was about going back for my HND before the pressure was unbearable. Inspite of that anyway, I still enjoy my school days.
What was growing-up like for you?
Growing-up for me was fun and enjoyed every bit of it most especially for the fact that I was a very stubborn and problematic to my parents because I will never listen to them whenever they instruct me to do something; but trust I got that from my father because he was stubborn but my mother was homely and wonderful.
You recently left TC records for another; was it based on contract matter?
Yes, my leaving TC record was on mutual based contract because I own my record label know as 2gbaski record because I believe it was high time I also give back to the society in my own little way. Leaving TC records was not on the basis that my contract expired; I just thought it was time for me to be independent and all that I want now is to see record blow.
What inspires your kind of music?
First and foremost, I will say my Mushin environment because that is one major area that keeps me going and that is you see that most of songs are inspirational in the sense that it is either telling you about the challenges I have faced so far in the career or about something else. For instance, one of my tracks My Life is all about telling my enemies that inspite of their talks and discouragement; I am still unto of my game.
If you are given an opportunity to change one thing in the music industry, what would that be?
That basically piracy because they are really killing us and still we don’t know what to do about the issues; it pains every producer of a song to see that he does not make even 80 percent of the cost of production but the pirates make more than that from a work they know nothing about. I believe the only change is that all Nigerian artistes be it in the music or movie industry should join hands together to proffer lasting solution that will better the live of everybody.
How much will it cost to make Durella perform in a show?
Any show below 1million naira, I cannot perform.